NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned on Tuesday that Moscow’s allegations of Ukraine’s possible use of a “dirty bomb” fit in with classic Russian tactics of “blaming others for what they intend to do”.
“Russia continues to falsely accuse Ukraine of manufacturing a dirty bomb. This is absurd: why would Ukraine use a dirty bomb on its territory that it wants to release?”asked Stoltenberg in an interview with France-Presse (AFP).
Moscow must understand that the West will not accept “false pretexts for a new escalation of the war in Ukraine”added the head of the Atlantic Alliance in an interview aboard the US aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush, which was engaged in the “Neptune Strike 2022” exercise in the Mediterranean.
For several days, Russia has accused Ukraine of preparing a “dirty bomb” consisting of conventional explosives surrounded by radioactive material intended to be dispersed during the explosion, and of wanting to use it to incriminate Russia.
“We know that Russians often accuse others of what they themselves intend to do. We saw it in Syria, we saw it at the beginning of this war in Ukraine.”Stoltenberg added.
For Stoltenberg, the conflict must end “sooner or later” at the negotiating table, but “The Allies will never negotiate or conclude an agreement on Ukraine without Ukraine”insisted.
“What Ukraine can achieve at the table depends on how strong they are on the battlefield. The only chance they have to survive as an independent nation is if they can defend themselves against Russian forces and negotiate an acceptable political solution.” to come. “he added.
The UN Security Council discussed behind closed doors on Tuesday, at Moscow’s request, allegations of Russia alleging that Ukraine manufactured a dirty bomb, allegations rejected by Kiev and the West.
Finally, Britain’s ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, said on Tuesday that Russia’s allegations of Ukraine’s development of “dirty bombs” are just another chapter in Russia’s long-standing disinformation and propaganda.
The Ukrainian nuclear power plant said on Tuesday that Russian officials had been conducting covert operations at the occupied Zaporijia nuclear power plant for the past week, with the alleged aim of preparing an “act of terrorism”.
The Atlantic Alliance Secretary-General also expressed “confidence” when addressing the new Italian government, led by far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, who, while in opposition, accused NATO of “creating a climate of cold war” with Russia.
“I welcome your strong support for NATO, but also your strong message on the continued Italian support for Ukraine”marked.
The military offensive launched by Russia in Ukraine on February 24 has already led to more than 13 million people fleeing – more than six million displaced persons and more than 7.5 million to European countries – according to the latest UN data, which this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945).
The Russian invasion – justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia’s security – was condemned by the generality of the international community, which has responded by sending arms to Ukraine and impose it on Russia. political and economic sanctions.
Source: DN
